Dial Plate with Diffuse Lighting

ABSTRACT

A system for providing diffuse light to a dial plate of a meter is disclosed. The system includes a light-guide and a light source. The light from the light source enters the light-guide and exits the light-guide to illuminate a curved peripheral portion of a dial plate with a diffuse light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to motor vehicles and in particular to a system for lighting a dial plate of a meter.

2. Description of Related Art

Lighting systems for lighting meters associated with a dashboard of a motor vehicle have been previously proposed. Yoshida et al. (Japanese Patent Number 60,239,605) is directed to a system for improving visibility of an indicator position. Yoshida teaches an indicating member disposed on the periphery of an indicating plate.

Yoshida teaches a system including a light transmissible indicator that is associated with an indicating dial plate. Yoshida teaches that a greater part of the dial plate is flat, while an outside periphery includes an inclined part that is printed with characters. Light is emitted at a light source and transferred through a light-guiding plate. Yoshida teaches that light is only reflected onto the inclined part and the rest of the dial plate remains dark. Yoshida teaches a dial plate that has an inclined part that extends below the base of the dial plate. The light-guiding plate Yoshida teaches is oriented to direct light down onto the inclined part of the dial plate.

Ikarashi et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,995) is directed to an illuminating apparatus. Ikarashi teaches a dial constituting a display member that is configured to be illuminated by light emitting diodes. Ikarashi teaches a dial constituting a display member configured to be illuminated by the light emitting diodes positioned at a rear side of the dial. In particular, index portions are illuminated by reflecting light from reflecting portions and by transmitting light through a light-guide member. This system allows the light to be efficiently guided from the light emitting diodes to the interior of a hollow portion to illuminate the index portions.

Both Yoshida and Ikarashi lack provisions for providing diffuse light on an outer curved portion of a dial plate. There is a need in the art for a solution to this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for providing diffuse lighting for a dial plate is disclosed. Generally, this system can be used in connection with a motor vehicle. The invention can be used in connection with a motor vehicle. The term “motor vehicle” as used throughout the specification and claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to cars, trucks, vans, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft, and aircraft.

In one aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portion disposed radially away from the central portion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of the curved peripheral portion, the light-guide being configured to receive light from at least one light source; and where the light-guide includes a light exiting portion that is oriented towards the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the light-guide is configured to direct light in a direction having a radial component and an axial component.

In another aspect, the light-guide is disposed proximally to the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the light-guide has a ring-like shape.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes an opaque portion configured to prevent light from escaping from at least one portion of the light-guide.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes a base portion disposed adjacent to the central portion.

In another aspect, the base portion includes a color printing to color light passing through the base portion.

In another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portion disposed radially away from the central portion; an outer radial portion of the curved peripheral portion and an inner radial portion of the curved peripheral portion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of the curved peripheral portion; the light-guide including a light exiting portion configured to illuminate the curved peripheral portion, including the inner radial portion and the outer radial portion; and where the inner radial portion is associated with a first brightness that is substantially equal to a second brightness associated with the outer radial portion.

In another aspect, an illuminated region associated with the curved peripheral is associated with a generally diffuse light pattern.

In another aspect, the illuminated region covers a majority of the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the illuminated region is associated with at least one indicia disposed on the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the curved peripheral portion includes an intermediate radial portion disposed between the outer radial portion and the inner radial portion.

In another aspect, the intermediate radial portion is associated with a third brightness that is substantially similar to the first brightness and the second brightness.

In another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portion disposed radially away from the central portion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of the curved peripheral portion, the light-guide being configured to direct light towards the curved peripheral portion; the light-guide having a base portion and a top portion; the base portion being disposed adjacent to a first side of the central portion with respect to an axial direction; a top portion extending a first axial height above the central portion; an inner radial portion of the curved peripheral portion that is disposed adjacent to the first side of the central portion with respect to the axial direction; an outer radial portion extending a second axial height above the central portion; and where the second axial height is greater than the first axial height.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes a light exiting portion that is oriented towards the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the inner radial portion is associated with a first brightness.

In another aspect, the outer radial portion is associated with a second brightness.

In another aspect, the first brightness is substantially equal to the second brightness.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes a rear portion that includes a hot silver stamp.

In another aspect, the light-guide is disposed proximally to the curved peripheral portion.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a meter with a dial plate and a needle;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a cross section of an embodiment of a meter;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a of a dial plate with a light-guide; and

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a meter illuminated with a diffuse light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of meter 100. Meter 100 may be associated with a motor vehicle of some kind. Generally, meter 100 could be associated with any type of motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, vans, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft, and aircraft.

Generally, meter 100 may be placed in any location in a motor vehicle visible to a driver or passenger. In some embodiments, meter 100 may be disposed on a central console of a motor vehicle. In other embodiments, meter 100 may be disposed on a ceiling console of a motor vehicle. In an embodiment, meter 100 may be disposed on an instrument panel situated on a dashboard of a motor vehicle.

Generally, meter 100 may be any type of device configured to convey information to a driver or passenger. In some embodiments, meter 100 may be a tachometer. In other embodiments, meter 100 may be a fuel gauge. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, meter 100 is a speedometer and displays the instantaneous speed of a motor vehicle. In some cases, meter 100 may include an odometer. For the sake of clarity, an odometer is not included in this embodiment.

Meter 100 may be associated with dial plate 102. Dial plate 102 may include central portion 110. Additionally, dial plate 102 may include curved peripheral portion 112. In some embodiments, curved peripheral portion 112 is disposed radially away from central portion 110.

In some embodiments, dial plate 102 may include numerical values, indication marks or other indicia to indicate, for example, a vehicular speed. In some cases, numerical values may be printed on central portion 110. In other cases, numerical values may be printed on another portion of dial plate 102. In some embodiments, numerical values are printed on curved peripheral portion 112.

Meter 100 may also be associated with needle 106. In some embodiments,needle 106 extends radially from a central location on central portion 110. Generally, needle 106 may be configured to rotate with respect to dial plate 102. With this arrangement, needle 106 is configured to indicate a vehicle speed by pointing to numerical values or indication marks printed on curved peripheral portion 112. Additionally, needle 106 could be configured to point to various indicia disposed on central portion 110 of dial plate 102.

In some embodiments, a meter includes provisions to ensure visibility during low light situations. In some embodiments, a dial plate may be configured with backlighting to illuminate portions of the dial plate. In some cases, printing on a dial plate may be transparent so lighting behind the dial plate causes the printing to be illuminated. In other embodiments, a meter may include cabaret or theater style lighting from above and spot light the surface of a dial plate. In some embodiments, a meter may be associated with evenly distributed diffuse lighting.

In some embodiments, a light-guide may be disposed on a central portion of a dial plate proximate to a curved peripheral portion to provide diffuse lighting to a portion of the dial plate. By locating a light-guide radially inward of a curved peripheral portion of a dial plate, the light-guide may be configured to direct light onto the curved peripheral portion. In other embodiments, a light-guide may be disposed a greater distance from a curved peripheral portion. With this arrangement, portions of a central portion may also be illuminated. Generally, a light-guide may be disposed in any location on a dial plate in order to illuminate particular portions of a dial plate with an even diffuse light.

In some embodiments, dial plate 102 includes light-guide 116. In some embodiments, light-guide 116 is disposed proximate to curved peripheral portion 112 on central portion 110. In particular, light-guide 116 may be disposed radially inward of curved peripheral portion 112. Generally, light-guide 116 may be shaped in any manner to provide diffuse light to a desired portion of dial plate 102. In some cases, light-guide 116 may be disposed in a partial circle radially around dial plate 102. In some embodiments, light-guide 116 extends in a ring-like manner proximate to curved peripheral portion 112. With this arrangement, light-guide 116 may be configured to project diffuse light on curved peripheral portion 112 of dial plate 102.

In some embodiments, substantially transparent materials may be used to construct a portion or all of light-guide 116. Generally, any material that is substantially transparent may be used. In some embodiments, for example, light-guide 116 may be made of transparent plastic. In some cases, polycarbonate may be used. In an embodiment, light-guide 116 may be constructed from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of meter 100. Case 212 is visible in this view and may be attached to second side 272 of dial plate 102. Case 212 and dial plate 102 may encompass interior cavity 210 of meter 100. In some embodiments, interior cavity 210 may be associated with structural components 207 to support dial plate 102.

In the current embodiment, interior cavity 210 includes wall 205. In some embodiments, wall 205 houses components necessary for the functioning of meter 100. For example, in the current embodiment, wall 205 houses shaft 206. Generally, shaft 206 may be configured to turn needle 106 so that needle 106 indicates the speed of the motor vehicle. In some cases, shaft 206 may be connected to a motor configured to rotate shaft 206 according to instructions from an on-board computer. In other embodiments, other components necessary for the functioning of meter 100 may be housed within interior cavity 210.

In some embodiments, an interior cavity may be associated with light sources configured to provide light for a light-guide. In some embodiments, a plurality of light sources may be configured to provide light for a light-guide. In some cases, the plurality of light sources may be disposed in a radial pattern similar to the shape of the light-guide. In other embodiments, a single light source may be configured to supply light to a light-guide. Generally, a light-guide may be configured to receive light from at least one light source.

Interior cavity 210 may be associated with light sources 202. In some embodiments, light sources 202 may be disposed on a portion of printed circuit board 204 disposed within interior cavity 210. In this embodiment, light sources 202 may include first light source 251 and second light source 252 disposed below central portion 110. In some embodiments, light sources 251 and 252 are configured to illuminate interior cavity 210 and provide light for light-guide 116. This arrangement allows light-guide 116 to illuminate curved peripheral portion 112.

While this embodiment includes light sources 251 and 252 as light sources for light-guide 116, in other embodiments light-guide 116 may receive light from any number of light sources. Additionally, it should be understood that light sources 251 and 252 may also be configured to provide light to other portions of dial plate 102 in some embodiments. In some cases, light from light sources 251 and 252 could be configured to provide backlighting to one or more portions of central portion 110.

In some embodiments, meter 100 includes provisions for illuminating needle 106 as well. In this embodiment, light sources 202 may include third light source 253 and fourth light source 254 disposed within wall 205. Third light source 253 and fourth light source 254 may illuminate central cavity 299 that is surrounded by wall 205. In some embodiments, cap 270 is configured to receive light from light sources 253 and 254 and direct the light into needle 106. With this arrangement, needle 106 may be illuminated and visible to a driver during low light situations.

Generally, light sources 202 could be any type of lighting configured to illuminate portions of dial plate 102. In some cases, light sources may include compact fluorescent lights. In still other cases, light sources 202 may include lighting from a halogen lamp. In an embodiment, light sources 202 may be white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some embodiments, case 212 is configured to direct light to various portions of dial plate 102, including light-guide 116. As seen in FIG. 2, light emitted from light sources 251 and 252 may scatter axially and radially towards dial plate 102 and light-guide 116. In some embodiments, the shape of case 212 may facilitate the transfer of light throughout interior cavity 210. In other embodiments, case 212 may include reflective surfaces or coatings to increase light transfer from light sources 251 and 252 to light-guide 116.

In this embodiment, the shape of case 212 may help to direct light to light-guide 116 as well as other portions of dial plate 102. In some embodiments, case 212 may be configured with a concave shape to direct scattered light upward. In other embodiments, case 212 may be configured with another shape to direct scattered light in a desired direction. In some embodiments, case 212 may have a concave shape that is generally flat beneath central portion 110 and that curves upwards towards curved peripheral portion 112. With this configuration, light emitted from light sources 251 and 252 may be reflected and directed toward light-guide 116.

In some embodiments, interior surface 214 of case 212 may include provisions to direct or reflect the light emitted from light sources 251 and 252 toward light-guide 116 in order to improve efficiency. In some cases, interior surface 214 may be a rough surface to produce diffuse reflection. In other cases, interior surface 214 may be a smooth reflective surface. In an embodiment, interior surface 214 may be manufactured or coated with a reflective material such as a reflective paint.

As seen in FIG. 2, when light is emitted by light sources 251 and 252, some light rays may escape directly to light-guide 116. Other light rays may scatter and be reflected off structural components 207 and/or interior surface 214 of case 212. Typically, multiple reflections of light rays may occur within interior cavity 210 before light escapes via light-guide 116. For example, a light ray from first light source 251 may strike one of structural components 207 then reflect off interior surface 214 before escaping to light-guide 116. With this arrangement, light emitted from light-guide 116 may include light that is initially emitted from light sources 251 and 252 in any number of directions.

For purposes of clarity, the discussion regarding the lighting of meter 100 is largely limited to the diffuse light provided by light-guide 116. However, in other embodiments, LCD displays or other lighting sources and devices may be used in addition to the diffuse light dispensed by light-guide 116. In addition, in some embodiments, dial plate 102 may also be configured with transparent portions for back lighting. Generally, multiple lighting devices and effects may be employed simultaneously.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of an embodiment of dial plate 102 and light-guide 116. In this embodiment, dial plate 102 may be associated with axial direction 302. In this case, axial direction 302 is generally perpendicular to central portion 110 of dial plate 102. In addition, dial plate 102 may be associated with radial direction 304. In this case, radial direction 304 is generally oriented outward from center 300 of dial plate 102 toward curved peripheral portion 112.

In this embodiment, light-guide 116 includes top portion 352 and base portion 351. Top portion 352 extends first axial height H1 above central portion 110. By extending first axial height H1 above central portion 110, top portion 352 may provide light-guide 116 with sufficient height to illuminate a portion of curved peripheral portion 112. Also, base portion 351 may be disposed adjacent to first side 371 of central portion 110 in axial direction 302. With this arrangement, base portion 351 may receive light from light sources disposed beneath second side 372 of central portion 110.

As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, light from light sources 251 and 252 may exit interior cavity 210 via light-guide 116. In particular, light may enter light-guide 116 at base portion 351. In some embodiments, base portion 351 includes blue printing to color light exiting light-guide 116. Generally, base portion 351 may include any color printing to color light exiting light-guide 116. With this arrangement, light-guide 116 may illuminate curved peripheral portion 112 with a blue diffuse light.

In order to guide the light through light-guide 116, portions of light-guide 116 may be opaque. For example, portions of light-guide 116 may be painted or stamped with a paint or ink that does not transmit light. In some embodiments, a silver hot stamp may be applied to top portion 352 and rear portion 353 of light-guide 116. In some embodiments with this stamped arrangement, base portion 351 and light-exiting portion 350 are the only transparent portions of light-guide 116. Generally, any type of coating may be applied to any portion of light-guide 116 to direct the transmission of light from light-guide 116.

In this embodiment, light exiting portion 350 is oriented towards curved peripheral portion 112 and configured to illuminate curved peripheral portion 112. The light directed through light exiting portion 350 includes a component disposed in radial direction 304 and a component disposed in axial direction 302. With components of directions 302 and 304, the light illuminates multiple portions of curved peripheral portion 112 of dial plate 102. In particular, light is directed so that illuminated region 324 is lit with a generally diffuse light pattern.

In this embodiment, illuminated region 324 may extend from inner radial portion 320 to outer radial portion 322 to encompass a majority of curved peripheral portion 112. Inner radial portion 320 of curved peripheral portion 112 is disposed adjacent to first side 371 of central portion 110 with respect to axial direction 302. Also, outer radial portion 322 of curved peripheral portion 112 extends second axial height H2 above central portion 110. In some embodiments, second axial height H2 is greater than first axial height H1 of light-guide 116.

In some embodiments, the brightness of illuminated region 324 is evenly distributed to provide a pleasing aesthetic look. In this embodiment, inner radial portion 320 may be associated with a first brightness. Furthermore, outer radial portion 322 may be associated with a second brightness. In some embodiments, the first brightness is substantially equal to the second brightness. In addition, curved peripheral portion 112 may be associated with intermediate radial portion 321 that is disposed between outer radial portion 322 and inner radial portion 320. Intermediate radial portion 321 may be associated with a third brightness that is substantially similar to the first brightness and second brightness of radial portions 320 and 322, respectively. Using this arrangement, the diffuse light from light-guide 116 may be evenly distributed throughout illuminated region 324 providing an aesthetically desirable look for dial plate 102.

Referring to FIG. 4, a diffuse light pattern provided by light-guide 116 is clearly visible on illuminated region 324. In particular, illuminated region 324 is disposed in a ring-like manner around curved peripheral portion 112. In this embodiment, illuminated region 324 illuminates numerical values ranging from 10 to 180 printed on curved peripheral portion 112. Generally, illuminated region 324 may be associated with at least one indicia disposed on curved peripheral portion 112. With this arrangement, a driver may clearly see the necessary information indicated on meter 100 with the diffuse light provided by light-guide 116.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 

1. A motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portion disposed radially away from the central portion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of the curved peripheral portion, the light-guide being configured to receive light from at least one light source; and wherein the light-guide includes a light exiting portion that is oriented towards the curved peripheral portion.
 2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light-guide is configured to direct light in a direction having a radial component and an axial component.
 3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light-guide is disposed proximally to the curved peripheral portion.
 4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light-guide has a ring-like shape.
 5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light-guide includes an opaque portion configured to prevent light from escaping from at least one portion of the light-guide.
 6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light-guide includes a base portion disposed adjacent to the central portion.
 7. The motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the base portion includes a color printing to color light passing through the base portion.
 8. A motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portion disposed radially away from the central portion; an outer radial portion of the curved peripheral portion and an inner radial portion of the curved peripheral portion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of the curved peripheral portion; the light-guide including a light exiting portion configured to illuminate the curved peripheral portion, including the inner radial portion and the outer radial portion; and wherein the inner radial portion is associated with a first brightness that is substantially equal to a second brightness associated with the outer radial portion.
 9. The motor vehicle according to claim 8, wherein an illuminated region associated with the curved peripheral is associated with a generally diffuse light pattern.
 10. The motor vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the illuminated region covers a majority of the curved peripheral portion.
 11. The motor vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the illuminated region is associated with at least one indicia disposed on the curved peripheral portion.
 12. The motor vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the curved peripheral portion includes an intermediate radial portion disposed between the outer radial portion and the inner radial portion.
 13. The motor vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate radial portion is associated with a third brightness that is substantially similar to the first brightness and the second brightness.
 14. A motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portion disposed radially away from the central portion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of the curved peripheral portion, the light-guide being configured to direct light towards the curved peripheral portion; the light-guide having a base portion and a top portion; the base portion being disposed adjacent to a first side of the central portion with respect to an axial direction; a top portion extending a first axial height above the central portion; an inner radial portion of the curved peripheral portion that is disposed adjacent to the first side of the central portion with respect to the axial direction; an outer radial portion extending a second axial height above the central portion; and wherein the second axial height is greater than the first axial height.
 15. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the light-guide includes a light exiting portion that is oriented towards the curved peripheral portion.
 16. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the inner radial portion is associated with a first brightness.
 17. The motor vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the outer radial portion is associated with a second brightness.
 18. The motor vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the first brightness is substantially equal to the second brightness.
 19. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the light-guide includes a rear portion that includes a hot silver stamp.
 20. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the light-guide is disposed proximally to the curved peripheral portion. 